Antonine Wall Public Consultation Opens

3 April 2013

Communities along the Antonine Wall are being encouraged to play their part in finalising the new five year management plan for the World Heritage Site (WHS).

The 12-week consultation, led by Historic Scotland and the five local authorities through which the Wall runs, seeks to encourage communities and all interested parties to comment on the Draft Management Plan. The plan has been drawn up following a series of stakeholder workshops and public sessions at the end of last year. The draft sets out the vision and key objectives for the management, conservation, promotion and interpretation of the Wall over the coming five year period.

The 60-kilometre Antonine Wall became a World Heritage Site in 2008 and joined the Frontiers of the Roman Empire World Heritage Site, alongside Hadrian’s Wall and the German Limes. The Wall stretches from Bo’ness on the River Forth to Old Kilpatrick on the River Clyde.

Since its inscription as a WHS, significant progress has been made to protect and promote the Wall. The Partners who deliver the Management Plan; Historic Scotland, East Dunbartonshire Council, Falkirk Council, Glasgow City Council, North Lanarkshire Council, and West Dunbartonshire Council - have been working jointly to deliver projects and strategies ensure the social, cultural and economic potential of the Antonine Wall is maximised in their local areas.

Patricia Weeks, the Antonine Wall World Heritage Site Co-ordinator said: “We had some excellent stakeholder and public workshops late last year which has helped inform the draft plan. We are now seeking a thorough and constructive debate on the document to ensure the communities along the Wall can play their part in shaping the final plan which will be launched later this year.

“The five year plan is a commitment to UNESCO as part of World Heritage Status and it will act as the joint strategy for all the main partners involved in the management, protection and promotion of the Wall. Therefore, we are very keen for as many people along the length of the Wall as well as all interested parties to comment on the plan and provide feedback and suggestions so it reflects what is expected over the coming five years.”

Historic Scotland is an executive agency of the Scottish Government charged with safeguarding the nation’s historic environment. The agency is fully accountable to Scottish Ministers and through them to the Scottish Parliament.

2013 is the Year of Natural Scotland, inspiring our people and our visitors to celebrate Scotland’s outstanding natural beauty, landscapes and biodiversity as Scotland prepares to welcome the world in 2014 and beyond. Find out more about Scotland’s outstanding natural beauty at www.visitscotland.com/natural